How to Account for Gaps in Employment Due to Illness
When applying for a job, you always want to put your best foot forward, both on your resume and during your interview. If you have gaps in your employment history, this can cause potential employers to view you less favorably. If you present yourself and your work history in a positive light, you can minimize the negative impact these gaps might otherwise cause.
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Instructions
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Emphasize your experience. Writing your resume in the traditional chronological order will call attention to gaps in your employment. Instead, consider starting your resume with a one or two-paragraph narrative describing your experience, duties and accomplishments. Below this, you can include the titles you held, dates you worked and companies at which you were employed in a bulleted list format.
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Avoid apologizing. If you are asked about months or years during which you did not work, and you intend to disclose your illness, keep your explanation short and positive. Dwelling on it will give it more prominence in the interview. Briefly explain that you were out of work because of your illness, then redirect the interview to your skills and your enthusiasm for returning to the workforce.
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Highlight volunteer experience. If there was unpaid work you did while you were ill, be sure to mention this, both in your resume and in the interview. Even though you weren't working for a living, you were still providing a service, keeping your skills fresh and engaging in work.
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Tips & Warnings
While it is not necessary to disclose your illness during an interview, keep in mind that many companies and HR departments may be able to read between the lines. The real reason for your absence may be far less worrisome than whatever they've imagined.
References
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